African Musical Arts: Music Saved from the Storm

When: Sun., Aug. 30, 3 p.m. 2015

Hurricane Katrina left so much horror and heartbreak in its wake: lost loved ones, ruined homes, destroyed businesses. Yet hope, compassion and rebuilding (of both structures and spirits) also came in Katrina's aftermath. African Musical Arts opens its new season with Music Saved from the Storm, a concert of classical music that commemorates the hurricane's ten-year anniversary. Performed by the Intercultural Music Initiative Chamber Players, the concert bears special significance for African Musical Arts, which stored much of its original music manuscripts in New Orleans and lost many to the storm. The program includes Fred Onovwerosuoke's Twenty-Four Studies in African Rhythms for Piano, William Grant Still's Summerland and the traditional African folk song "Malaika." The performance takes place at 3 p.m. today at Trinity Presbyterian Church (6800 Washington Avenue, University City; 314-652-6800 or www.africarts.org). Admission is $15.